Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “welcome” in Auslan, the sign language used by the Australian Deaf community. Whether you’re planning to interact with Deaf individuals, learning Auslan for personal enrichment, or simply curious about different ways to greet someone, this guide will provide you with a variety of formal and informal ways to express a warm welcome.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Welcome
Formal greetings are typically used in professional settings, formal events, or when addressing individuals you are meeting for the first time. Here are some formal ways to say welcome in Auslan:
1. Basic Formal Welcome
To offer a basic formal welcome, extend your right hand with the palm facing up while nodding your head slightly. This gesture signifies a warm reception and shows respect for the person entering.
2. Formal Welcome with a Smile
A smile adds warmth to any welcome. Combine the basic formal welcome gesture with a genuine smile to convey a heartfelt reception. Remember, a smile is universal and crosses language barriers.
3. Formal Verbal Greeting
In addition to non-verbal gestures, you can accompany your welcome with a verbal greeting. Sign “welcome” by extending both arms forward, palms up, and then moving them inwards towards your body with a gentle circular motion. While signing, maintain eye contact to show sincerity.
Informal Ways to Say Welcome
Informal ways of saying welcome are often used in casual and friendly settings among friends, family, or close acquaintances. Let’s explore some informal ways to say welcome in Auslan:
1. Casual Wave
The easiest and most common way to casually welcome someone is with a friendly wave. Raise your hand, fingers extended, and gently move it side to side. This informal gesture welcomes the individual with a relaxed and comfortable vibe.
2. Informal Sign for Welcome
Use the informal sign for welcome to make your greeting more personal. Make a loose fist with your dominant hand, thumb resting on the side, and tap it against your chest. This gesture signifies a warm welcome from within your heart.
3. Informal Verbal Greeting
Accompany your informal welcome with a friendly verbal greeting. Sign “welcome” by extending both arms forward, palms up, and then moving them inwards towards your body with a gentle circular motion. Add an enthusiastic facial expression to enhance your welcome.
Examples of Welcome Greetings in Auslan
Now, let’s delve into some examples of welcome greetings in Auslan. These examples will help you understand how to incorporate the different gestures and signs we’ve discussed:
1. Formal Example:
To welcome someone formally, stand confidently with your right hand extended, palm up. Gently nod your head and maintain eye contact. This conveys a warm and respectful welcome. You can also accompany this gesture with a verbal greeting by signing “welcome” using the circular motion.
Example: “Welcome! It’s a pleasure to meet you. Please, come in.”
2. Informal Example:
For a more casual welcome, relax your stance and give a friendly wave. Combine the wave with the informal sign for welcome by tapping your chest lightly. To make it even more heartfelt, add a verbal greeting by signing “welcome” with enthusiasm and a warm smile.
Example: “Hey! Welcome! Great to see you! Come join us.”
Tips for Welcoming Others in Auslan
Here are some additional tips to ensure your welcome greetings are inclusive, respectful, and well-received:
- Be approachable: Maintain an open posture and a friendly facial expression to make others feel at ease.
- Use eye contact: Establish eye contact when welcoming someone to convey genuine interest and respect.
- Take your time: Ensure your gestures and signs are clear and pronounced to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.
- Practice active listening: Respond to the person’s arrival with attentive gestures and maintain engagement throughout the conversation.
- Respect personal space: Be mindful of personal boundaries, allowing the person to enter comfortably without feeling crowded.
Remember, gestures and signs may vary slightly between individuals or their regional backgrounds. Nonetheless, the most important aspect is the warmth and inclusivity conveyed through your actions and expressions when saying welcome in Auslan.
Now that you have learned various formal and informal ways to say welcome in Auslan, go ahead and practice these greetings with confidence. Embrace the richness of Auslan, foster connections, and make everyone feel appreciated, respected, and valued in your interactions.
